The Tow Services Division holds a public vehicle auction every other Tuesday to auction all unclaimed vehicles. Registration begins at 8 a.m. the day of the auction and closes at 11 a.m. Bidding of vehicles begins at 10 a.m. Auction items may be viewed on the day of the auction by registered bidders. Do not enter or sit in vehicles (see exception for premium vehicles). No guests or children are allowed entry to the auction area.
Requirements for bidders
- You must be 18 years old and have a picture ID to register for the auction.
- Once you have registered, you may not give your bidder number to anyone else.
- Vehicles must be paid for by 5 p.m. the day of the auction; no exceptions will be made.
- Buyers have until 4 p.m. on the Friday following the auction (three days) to remove purchased vehicles. If a buyer purchases more than nine vehicles, this is extended until 4 p.m. on the Sunday following the auction. A $10 storage fee (per vehicle, per day) will be assessed for any vehicles left longer than the cutoff time.
Anyone who does not abide by these requirements
may be barred from future auctions
Other details
A bill of sale will be mailed to all purchasers within 30 days after payment of vehicles. The City does not guarantee title to a vehicle. If you lose your bill of sale, a $10 fee will be charged for issuing a duplicate.
A complete list of all vehicles and procedures for the vehicle auctions may be picked up -- starting the Tuesday preceding the auction -- at the tow lot entrance (3901 Bennington Ave.). A list of all vehicles will be available online one week prior to the auction.
All vehicles that have been previously determined to be "salvage-only" will be made available for purchase to licensed salvage and auto dealers only, not to the general public. Anyone wishing to purchase "salvage-only" vehicles will be required to provide proof of current salvage/dealer's license at the time of auction registration. More information regarding this policy is available on auction days.
Premium Auto Auctions
A selection of late-model vehicles in running condition will be made available in separate premium auctions. These auctions will be held quarterly and will be announced when a suitable number of vehicles is available for sale. Potential buyers will be able to start the vehicle and sit in it, unlike general vehicles for auction. Premium auctions will begin promptly at 10 a.m. before the general auction begins; any models not sold during this time will be made available in the general auction. The list of premium vehicles is available online one week before the auction and at the tow lot entrance at 3901 Bennington Ave.
